CHAPTER ONE - One Journeys End Is The Start To Another
'The light shines even though the star is gone"
These words were a constant echo in Shadows' mind the last few days as he trudged along, fingers rounded tightly on the reins of the mare he sat upon, her midnight coat matching his own. Mud squelched softly beneath them as they slowly made their way up the winding path where a large castle loomed over them.
Above them, the sky was painted with starlight. A beautiful black canvas dotted with stars, no cloud dulling or covering a single shine which provided the right amount of light needed for this long trek as many of the villagers had turned in for the night leaving little light to follow the path. It seemed Maria had provided them with good weather, somewhat a sign of approval to Shadow's presence. The thought sent another shot of grief through the hedgehog's body, causing already clenched hands to tighten their grip further. He missed her. The star may shine on but it did not soothe the ache it had caused.
To his left, there were two other horses heaving a carriage which contained as many supplies as it could contain and sitting on the stool of the front of the carriage was an older man. His eyes were half closed and a frown creased his face as though the long ride had exhausted him but Shadow knew it was not only the journey that had worn him down. They had been travelling for 4 days, few words spoken as they both grieved silently. The request for the Professors presence in the medical advisory for the royal family had been sent almost a month ago and it was only recently that the Professor had agreed and asked Shadow to accompany him to the KIngdom of Aelia under Queen Aleena's ruling.
It was accepted reluctantly but then again, where else was he to go? Would anyone take in a strange 16 year old? Who else was there to trust? Why would he stay in a town that would serve nothing but painful reminders of what he had had?
"Halt! You are entering the Kingdom of Aelia - state your business or turn back."
A guard had moved from his post as the carriage had approached, eyeing both the human and hedgehog cautiously. The Professor reached into a satchel at his feet and handed over a thick roll of parchment.
"Professor Gerald Robotnik, the royal family have requested myself to their medical unit"
The guard read through the details of the scroll before glancing at the black hedgehog who's eyes had never left him. His face was covered by his hood, the guard could not miss the ruby eyes that peered out from underneath.
"And this one?"
Shadow remained silent.
"He is with me. I am happy to explain his usefulness to her majesty" Professor Gerald responded smoothly. The guard glanced between the two figures before him. The royal guards had been made aware of the potential arrival of the Professor however admitting an unauthorised second person at this hour into the castle held a potential risk. Especially with the way said second person held a glint in those red eyes. A child yes, but still there would be no room for error.
"Wait here" the guard ordered before moving towards a doorway positioned next to the large gates that stood before them.
Shadow glanced at the Professor out the corner of his eye, arching a brow ever so slightly.
"My usefulness, Professor?"
Gerald shrugged.
"You didn't think this was a free ride did you boy? Besides, you have skills for the kingdom to use until I require your…services" he explained, trailing off at the end as his thoughts clouded his mind once more drawing his focus away from Shadow. A common occurrence these last few days.
Shifting in his saddle, Shadow glanced up at the walls of the palace that stood proudly within the gates before him. While he feigned his in difference, curiosity did naw inside him at the type of folk that lived within these walls. Even with the small walk through the village that surrounded this kingdom on the south side, there were already so many differences to that of his old village.
The area was more populated with Mobians, there seemed to be more stores, more children who played in the streets evident with the scuff marks and balls that lay around the main lane. Proud flags and posters of new events that the kingdom were hosting were list down almost every third store and pole - none of which you would see in the place Shadow once called home.
There had only been disease, fear and constant brawls, Shadow usually finding himself in situations involving the last one more often than not despite his younger age.
"You may enter. The Queen is being advised of your arrival and will see you shortly"
Shadow's attention was brought back to the guard in front of him, who had returned with the news. With nothing more than a nod and small tap of his heel, the horse began to slowly walk towards the gate which was being wound up to grant them passage across the draw bridge. Alongside the carriage, they made their way to the castle doors.
The beautiful white stone had vines tangled around pillars and there was garden foliage neatly trimmed along the castle walls. Flowers bloomed here and there, their colours unidentifiable given the current lighting but Shadow couldn't take away from their beauty. It held an innocence that the rest of the castle also seemed to contain.
As they reached the door, Shadow gracefully slid off his mare and gave her neck a quick rub.
"Good girl, Ombre" he whispered the words, the horse's name keeping its thick accent in his voice. Maria had always enjoyed the French language, evident in all their horses' names. He slipped a hand into the coat that covered him and pulled out a small sugar cube. He held it out and the smallest tug of a smile pulled at his lips as Ombre gratefully took her reward.
Moving back, he passed the reins to his steed to an awaiting servant who walked to a nearby stock post to tie Ombre to where she could rest. Shadow reached to the carriage to assist helping the professor down.
"Remember what we discussed Shadow" he whispered softly as they were led inside by a feline Mobian. "Not a word unless you are spoken to and be mindful of your place with these people. It will determine your future"
Shadow's response was nothing more than a short nod.
The castle's beauty did not just stop at its exterior. The cream walls and corner were decorated with gold swirls and the hallways were lit well by what seemed to be crystal chandeliers. The ground was polished and the ceilings, which stood high and arched, were decorated with beautiful art work of the sun, the clouds but also the moon and the stars to contrast it. An interesting concept, given you never see the first few with the others but there was a certain beauty to it. Something almost poetic. And once more, innocent.
The grey feline in front of them paused in front of a large wooden door and knocked before glancing back at the visitors, her amber eyes sharp and calculating. Clearly she too had her reserves over allowing an unexpected guest to be presented to the Queen. Shadow held her gaze, emotionless and stoney. He had never been one to be intimidated easily and it was not about to change.
"Enter"
The strong commanding voice of a female rang out. Pressing her paws on the door, the feline pushed with ease and led the visitors inside.
Sitting upon a throne, was the Queen of Aelia herself. Her lavender fur shone, the crown on her head seeming to glow but nothing held more power than the gaze she pinned the Professor and his company with. The regal air was almost intoxicating as they walked closer to the hedgehog, both kneeling deeply as they reached the steps that led to the throne.
"Your Majesty," the feline said softly with a small bow before standing up straight. "I present Professor Gerald Robotnik of Arkreign."
"Thank you Serafina," Queen Aleena nodded to the feline in acknowledgement before moving her attention to her two new guests. "And it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Professor. Finally." she added the end dryly. The Professor merely dipped his head lower.
"Please your majesty, the pleasure is all mine. I apologise for my late response to your letters. I had to tie up some loose ends before we made our journey. May I be so daring as to ask for your forgiveness? Gerald asked, still kneeled.
"I accept your apology, no forgiveness is required as your presence is one of relief. I am glad you chose to come and take over as the medical advisor." Queen Aleena responded. "You may rise.
"Thank you, My Queen. I look forward to the task at hand," Professor Gerald said as he stood up to face her. "I have also brought equipment and plants from our old village to share with your doctors in hopes of extending their education. I look forward to the task greatly". The queen gave him a small, genuine smile.
"And our infirmary squad looks forward to meeting you. However," her gaze moved to the black hedgehog, her smile becoming a slight look of disapproval. " You failed to mention having an apprentice, let alone bringing him before me."
Professor Gerald glanced at Shadow before speaking.
"This is my… adopted son, Shadow," he said. "He is no apprentice however does have a fairly extensive knowledge when it comes to my field of expertise. I brought him to you as a last minute change of heart, thinking he may be of service" he hesitated before continuing. "He has spent the majority of his life living amongst agriculture and can tame any horse that comes his way. Those in our village would come to him for assistance regarding their pregnant mares or their untrainable stallions. He is diligent in any work he does and I believed he would be an asset to your castle, your Majesty" he quickly added at the end of his sentence. A small silence filled the room as Aleena assessed the young mobian before her.
"Well then," she finally said. "Why don't we hear from him himself? You may stand now young man"
Shadow, who had remained in his kneeling pose during the conversation of the two adults not even batting an eye at the Professor calling him his adopted son, slowly rose and looked up at Aleena.
"So, you have a way with horses your father says?"
"Yes, your majesty."
"And you wish to work in the castle while your father assist our medical units?"
"If that is an option, your majesty."
Nodding slowly she allowed her gaze to filter over the hedgehog. His fur was as dark as the night, except for the red streaks that raked his quills and arms. A strong build and a good stance. And a seemingly intelligent mind if the Professor was being honest.
"Very well. If you are willing to earn your keep and want a life here in the castle, you may work in the stables tending to our cavalry stock. Feed them, water them, care for them and where required you may assist in training them for their roles. Would this be of interest, young Shadow?" Queen Aleena looked expectantly down at him. Shadow was about to respond when a small scuffle behind some deep red curtains to the side disrupted the discussion and a small whispering followed soon after.
"Ow! You poked me with your quill!"
"Did not!"
"Did too!"
"Shush! They'll hear us!"
A small sigh came from the Queen but Shadow could see the smallest of smiles tugging at her lips as she addressed the talking drapes.
"Quite right Princess Sonia, you have been heard. Please ensure you are presentable and come out from behind the curtain"
A short quiet fell over the drapes before the grumbling of three voices erupted softly, three hedgehogs slipping out from their hiding place. One of soft pink, her arms crossed over her chest a clear sign of her annoyance of being caught - presumably Princess Sonia.
"Nice work boys" she hissed back to the two that followed.
"It wasn't my fault!" The smallest hedgehog grumbled, rubbing a green arm as he pointed to his brother behind him. "Sonic pricked me"
The third hedgehog was slightly taller than the first two, and a cheeky smirk had taken over his features.
"Shouldn't have gotten so close to me Manic! Can't help it if I've got the coolest and sharpest quills out of us three- hi mother" the azure hedgehog ceased his bragging quickly, his smile becoming one of slight nervousness.
Queen Aleena did not speak. Instead, she raised an eyebrow as her three children stood a step beneath her each giving a small bow and curtsey. The silence caused the taller hedgehog to speak hesitantly.
"Don't you look absolutely divine this evening, is that a new gown? Or did you do your fur differently…?" he tried, casting big emerald eyes innocently at his mother and Queen. However, Aleena did not respond to her son's attempts of sweet talking.
"Would one of you care to explain what you are doing in the throne room at this hour? As well as to why you are deciding to eavesdrop on a private conversation with new members of my staff?" Although her words were said with a regal calmness, her eyes icily glazed over her offspring.
Shadow looked towards the Professor, somewhat wondering internally if they ought to excuse themselves from the family display but the Professor was just watching the scene in front of him with a somewhat bored expression.
Sonic, unsurprisingly, was the first to speak.
"We were just… practicing our throning?" he tried, raising his hands up with that same smile. "You know, gotta practice that royal wave and… stuff..."
Manic rolled his eyes beside him while Sonia brought her hand to her face. Queen Aleena kept her gaze pinned on the three.
"Is that so?" she asked. When there was no response she continued, "Seeing as you are all so keen to resume your training for the crown, I will ensure Serafina arranges an impromptu etiquette class in the morning after breakfast to appease your newfound eagerness. I assume this is a fitting solution, don't you all?"
Although the eyes of all three young royals were full of dismay and disdain at the position of an early morning class they knew better than to argue. Clearly to Shadow who watched silently, this wasn't the first late night adventure the three had been caught out in.
"Yes, your majesty"
Three dejected voices spoke somewhat in sync. Although her words had been stern, there was a fondness as she shook her head in exasperation.
"Enough for tonight. All of you, head to your chambers. I expect to see you at breakfast, good night" Queen Aleena dismissed the three and they once again bowed and headed out the room.
As they were leaving, the blue hedgehog glanced at Shadow catching his eyes. He gave him a smile and a quick wave as he walked by. Slightly caught off guard by the attention, Shadow bowed stiffly, assuming it was the right response. As unroyal as he had acted, this Sonic was still a member of the royal family.
When the young prince merely rolled his eyes and snickered at the response, Shadow stared in shock before narrowing his eyes as a surge of annoyance coursed through his veins. Was this halfwit seriously laughing at him… for a small bow to a royal family member? After he intruded their conversation?
It was only a small show of mockery but it was enough to ruffle Shadow's quills. He kept an eye on the azure male as he exited the room, still staring at the door as it shut. Queen Aleena's voice suddenly cut through his annoyance like a bucket of water reminding him of his company.
"I apologise for my children's intrusion, especially Sonic's," she said to Professor Gerald and Shadow equally. "He is the Crown Prince and at times it seems that title goes to his head. He would actually be a similar age to yourself Shadow" she addressed the darker male. It had not evaded her attention the way the two had interacted even for a brief second. She had seen the quick reaction from Shadow, the disapproval in his stance as Sonic had left. Maybe having someone around of a similar age who did not enable her eldest would not be the worst idea. "There are a few that live in the castle grounds as well as the closer homes of the village that are also of your age. You could grow to have a good social standing and life here if you wish."
Shadow hesitantly looked at the queen, unsure if it was for him to address her or respond. She made the decision for him.
"Well young man, I am waiting for your response. Do you accept my offer?" Aleena asked, holding Shadows' gaze. Those crimson eyes lost any hesitation they once held, any annoyance that had lingered was gone.
"Yes, your majesty. I would appreciate your kind offer and accept, thank you" he said. The Professor nodded along beside him, approving Shadow's response.
"Serafina!" Aleena summoned the feline who had been waiting by the door silently. "Please take young Shadow to the vacant sleeping quarters nearest to the stables corridor. If you require anything that you did not bring please do not hesitate to advise the staff. You will have access to the kitchen quarters alongside any of our other staff and our guardsman will appreciate your knowledge and time working with their steeds." The last comments had been directed at Shadow who nodded before shooting a quick look questioning at the Professor.
"I believe you will be wanting a word with me in private, your majesty" Professor Gerald asked, not looking at Shadow. Queen Aleena shifted her gaze and nodded.
"Yes please remain for a quick word before you are shown your quarters. Shadow, you are dismissed. I will send for someone to give you a tour of the grounds in the morning so you can gain your bearings. Your work with the horses may start the next day"
Shadow bowed for a final time. "Thank you once more, your majesty. Enjoy your evening"
He turned and began to follow Serafina out but he couldn't help but gaze back at the Professor as the door was closed gently behind them. Professor Gerald had called him his adopted son. Not once in the 17 years they had known each other had he ever been referred to as such. Sure he and Maria had been raised together and shared a sibling bond but Shadow was aware the adoration he had shown for Maria was for who she was to him while the attention he had for Shadow was more in interest to his… abilities.
Shaking his head he continued to follow Serafina down different corridors, subconsciously creating a map in his mind as he was led to his new sleeping quarters. It wasn't long before Serafina paused before a door and provided him with a small key. He held it and raised an eyebrow.
"Queen Aleena sees privacy as a key priority for all her staff" Serafina said silky. "All staff and servants no matter their role or status has a room with a personal bathing pod and study. It isn't relatively large but large enough to accommodate a single person. The horses' stables are a small walk straight down that path, " She gestured to where the corridor had continued on before they had paused, "Your carriage and horses have been taken there already for you if you would like to get your things now or in the morning. They are being left in our transition field I would assume until you select a preferred area."
And with that, she nodded to Shadow and walked off. He looked at the key in his hand. Queen Aleena appreciates privacy? That's one thing we agree on.
He made his way into his new living space and assessed it. A wooden desk and cupboard were situated on one side of the room while a larger bed occupied the other with a side table next to it. Stepping in, he noticed a closed off section which soon revealed a bathing room as such. It was nothing glamorous, but definitely a step up from his previous room.
Stretching his muscles, still cramped from the long ride, Shadow decided to make quick work of unpacking and checking in with the horses they had brought. As much as he would refuse to admit it, they held one of his softer spots. Most likely due to the fact that they don't say stupid remarks.
Following the directions he had been provided, a few minutes later the stables came into sight. His own horses lined up against a fence line. Ombre let out a welcoming whinny as he approached. With a gloved hand he stroked her face softly.
"Hey girl, let's get you settled hey?" he murmured softly as he untangled her from the post and led her into the stables, which were also overly large. A large hay stock stood at the far end and there were water troughs along each wall.
Seeing that most of its occupants were out in the field enjoying the night summer breeze, Shadow led Ombre into an empty but clean stall. He checked her over, wanting to ensure that the long journey had not brought on any issues or strains. But he was soon satisfied, and relieved. Ombre would be his first pick out of any herd. She was the fastest he had owned and was also the most obedient. But it could be due to the potential that if she did a good job she knew a sugar cube would find its way into her dinner.
"Alright, I'll be back" Shadow said, giving the mare an affectionate pat on her flank before exiting the stable. He turned around after ensuring the stall was locked securely but ended up crashing into something.
Or in this case, someone.
"Oofmph!" Shadow grunted in surprise as he stepped back. He looked up and felt once again the taste of disapproval in the back of his throat.
It was the blue hedgehog. Crown Prince. Half wit. Or more commonly known as Sonic.
"Woah hold your horses there" Sonic quipped as he rubbed his head, but his grin did not falter. "Get it? Hold your horses? Cause' we're in a stable?" he chuckled at his own joke while Shadows response was to arch an unimpressed eyebrow.
"Can I help you… Prince?" he said, trying to mask his unsureness. He certainly wasn't going to call this hedgehog 'your highness' or 'majesty' after how his last attempt at being polite to royalty had been openly laughed at.
Sonic's grin grew slightly.
"You know, you can call me Sonic. Everyone else does" he said as he jumped on one of the empty stable gates and sat on it, his legs swinging in front of him. "And no, I just wanted to come and say hi. So yeah, hi!"
"...hi"
Shadow began to walk out the stable, hoping that would be the end of the conversation. However fate had other ideas.
"So you're from like, really far aren't you? Why did you come to Aelia? Have you been here before? Do you like it so far?" Sonic continued, following Shadow to the outer area.
Trying to control the urge to flatten his ears, he continued his way towards the two remaining horses. Ciel, a stallion, shook his white mane as Shadow adjusted the lead and bridle, and began to lead him inside to put away for the night.
"I am from Arkreign"
Why was he answering this rambling hedgehog's questions? It was like adding fuel to the fire. As tempted as he was to land a quick first into the others face, he held back. Not exactly a good look if you beat up the Crown Prince on your first day in the kingdom.
"Oh wow that's a fair trip. Was it nice? Did you like it? Did you have any frie-"
"How did you even know I was here?" Shadow interrupted as he settled Ciel into his stable, going through the same checks he had done with the midnight mare who was seemingly watching the two have their exchange.
Sonic cocked his head slightly at Shadows' question.
"I heard my mother offer you a role as a stable boy. So I thought I'd give you the royal welcome" he answered, accompanying his statement with a small wink. He got an eye roll as a response.
"Well, consider me welcomed. Night" he grumbled, walking past Sonic in an attempt to end their conversation and bring in the final mare.
"Are you always so grouchy or is it just something you do to pretend you're cool?"
No such luck.
Pinching the bridge of his nose he stood by the fence post. Terre nudged him with her splotched muzzle, clearly in search of some attention or a treat. He made quick work of untying her and bringing her inside.
"I'm going to assume from your broody silence it's because you're trying to be cool"
"Didn't you just get into trouble for staying out late?" Shadow growled over his shoulder, becoming more and more agitated by the azure male's presence. His ears had remained poised and his quills flat, however the annoyance had definitely seeped into his voice as he spoke. Sonics ears shot straight up as he heard the sharper tone.
"I'm always getting into trouble around here, but I saw Serafina walking you around from my window and just thought I could get to know you. " he shrugged nonchalantly "Guess you've had a long journey. I'll leave you be, if you want a tour tomorrow let me know!"
"Your mother has already promised another member of the staff will show me around" Shadow said without missing a beat, his back to the other as he completed his third and final rounds of checks on his last mare.
"No sweat. Night Shadow!"
Shadows' head snapped up at his name.
"How did you know my-" he started but stopped as he realised two things. One was the fact that the blue hedgehog had infiltrated his meeting with his mother, therefore would have likely overheard him being introduced. But the second was that where Sonic had once stood was completely gone, save for some kicked up dirt and dust that was still billowing out in clouds.
Shaking his head he turned and looked Terre in the eye.
"Is it just me or was he the most annoying creature we have ever met?"
She gave a small snort in response.
Once he had ensured the horses were settled, he took what he owned from the carriage and made his way back to his new quarters. The sack he held wasn't large as he couldn't bring a lot but there wasn't a lot to bring anyway.
Their old life in Arkreign was not one of extreme poverty, but it wasn't a place where physical objects had much sentimental value. Knowledge was power. And power was power.
As the black hedgehog reached his door, he began to unlock it and enter when his shoe brushed against something on the ground. Glancing down, his eyes widened.
A small blue rose laid at his feet, the vibrant colour indicating it was only freshly picked along with its healthy undisturbed petals. Slowly grasping the delicate flower in his hand, he looked it over before his hearing picked up the slightest sound of a shoe moving against the stony floor. He glanced up but all he saw was the slightest flash of blue fur, gone so quick he thought he had imagined it.
Well, at least he was sure of its giver now. Sighing slightly, Shadow continued into his room and locked the door behind him. He placed down his burden and placed the… well he would call it a peace offering on the side table next to his bed before laying back.
Reaching into the pocket of his coat, he pulled out the one photograph he had. It was of Maria, the Professor and himself, in the children's younger years. The photograph was creased and old, but the image remained clear as ever. Staring at it he could almost hear her laugh, and hear his own as they teased each other, memories flickering in front of him. He placed the photograph on the side table next to the rose and then scowled.
The Prince really thought a silly little flower would cause Shadow to forget how much of a nuisance he was? Well, he was wrong. Shadow grabbed the rose and tossed it into the drawer so it was out of sight.
He blew out the candle and rolled over in the bed. Wishing for nothing but the comfort of a dreamless sleep which came crashing down on him within minutes.
Not once did he question why he chose to toss the rose into a drawer rather than the bin…
AUTHORS NOTE
Hey guys! This is my first attempt at a Sonadow fic. I do have a couple of chapters written up for this as well as another idea for another AU plus just a normal sonadow in their normal reality.
I love fantasy reads and I have enjoyed several sonic stories based in a medieval time period and I wanted to try it myself. While writing up these chapters, I found myself falling in love with their dynamic over and over again.
I will (hopefully) have an ao3 account soon to also share my story there as well as other favourites of mine.
Please share your thoughts, ideas and feelings on each chapter if you wish as any support and feedback will be most welcomed!
Peace out xo